Guide to the Art Library

About the Art Library

Having opened in 2002 as a library specializing in modern art, the MOMAT’s Art Library collects, and provides public access to, a broad range of materials including art books, exhibition catalogues, and periodicals on art. Anyone hoping to consult our collection can use our library free of charge.

Notices

Summary

Library Hours

Tuesdays–Saturdays: 10:30 AM– 5:00 PM (admission until 4:30 PM)
*Closed on holidays, during closure of the museum and maintenance
*Please check the library calendar

Seating capacity

10 seats

The library collection

  • Books about modern art
  • Exhibition catalogs
  • Art related magazines

Number of Materials

You can request up to five materials each time.
*Requests for the materials in the closed stacks until 4:30 PM.

Photocopy Service

Complete a Photocopy Request Form and make photocopies yourself.
*Requests for the photocopying until 4:30 PM. 


Per copy fee including tax:
black-and-white: 30 yen
color: 100 yen
*Please have small change or a thousand-yen bill ready.
Available sizes: A4, B4 and A3

Attention

  • Put your baggage in one of the coin lockers by the Library’s entrance. Refrain from bringing anything other than pencils, laptops, and valuables into the Reading Room.
  • The materials may be used only in the reading rooms. They do not circulate out of the library.
  • Do not use materials for other purposes than consultation.
  • You may use your own computer in the library after letting the staff know about it.
  • Refrain from the following behaviors: smoking, drinking, eating, photography, videography, use of mobile phones, and actions that disturb other users.
  • Take good care of library materials.
  • An in-advance application is required for use of materials in the Rare Book Room or the Stacks II.

About the Art Library

Having been established in 1952 as Japan’s first national art museum, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) is located in central Tokyo, near the Imperial Palace. It houses many Japanese masterpieces in various genres from the early 20th century to the present including works from abroad, and holds various exhibitions.

 Having opened in 2002 as a library specializing in modern art, the MOMAT’s Art Library collects, and provides public access to, a broad range of materials including art books, exhibition catalogues, and periodicals on art.

 Anyone hoping to consult our collection can use our library free of charge.

Access

FAQ

How can I view materials that are kept in the “Rare Book”?

As a rule, you can apply to view up to five items of material at the same time. If you would like to view more than five items of material, please consult us separately. Please make a reservation below.

How can I view materials kept on “Stacks II”?

As a rule, we only allow access to materials that are not available anywhere else. You can apply to view up to five items of material at the same time. Please make your request well in advance because we may need time to make them available.

How can I continue using a document that was retrieved for me from “Stacks II” on my next visit?

When first accessing the document, inform a staff member at the counter of your next scheduled visit. The document can be reserved for you for up to two weeks.

How can I use “Artist Files” in the “Stacks J”?

The Artist Files consist of non-book ephemera such as exhibition brochures and flyers grouped by artist. Note that they contain no books or journals. Please make a reservation below.

Past Events

The Art Library has thus far made various efforts.

Contact

TEL: +81-3-3214-2561 (The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo Representative)
Reception Hours: Tue–Fri, 10:30 am–4:30 pm (on open days only)

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